A Chill Pill (and a decent visa photo)

My visa appointment is tomorrow! Ahhh! I'm on the verge of a panic attack and we haven't even left for Washington DC yet. Tomorrow determines whether I get to leave on time or whether I get to go to France at all. My entire life is the the hands of the French government. *shivers* I am scared. I have all the paperwork required (I think, as long as I don't forget to pack it, leave it in a taxi, drop it in mud, etc...) but I just decided that maybe they do want the application form filled out in French. Slight problem since I'm going to France in order to learn French, not because I'm already fluent. Also, I'm out of time. Why, then, am I writing on this blog when I clearly have more important things to do? Well, stress relief and because I care more for my loyal readers (at least the two I know I have, i.e. my parents) and their knowledge of my personal current events than I do about my entire year in France. This is a lie. Beware, I have been known to attempt sarcasm.

Anyway, so I was also freaking out about the very specific, 3.5 by 4.5cm, face front, ears showing, no teeth visable (I guess if you have no front teeth you're allowed to smile?) visa photo. First attempt was no good. Don't trust CVS. I could have done better taking my own picture at home. Exhibit A:

Gross! Why am I so shiny??

Next try was a frenzied call to Elegant Portraits today. Notice in the picture above the proportions of the picture are all wrong and only one ear is showing. I was concerned. The picture taken today is a billion times better for what I need. It meets all the qualifications necessary. Unfortunately, it also makes me look like a terrorist (remember, enforced neutral expression) but hopefully the embassy won't notice that. Exhibit B:

Haha, scary!

So, all this to say, I am in serious need of a chill pill or at least a nap. Worrying is exhausting and something I don't do often enough to feel at ease with. As soon as I know the verdict and can get myself to a computer, I'll let you know!